Daniel R. Swain, a 41-year-old resident of Summerville, South Carolina, was arrested by the United States Secret Service on Apr. 27 in Apex under a federal warrant accusing him of threatening to take the life of the President of the United States. The arrest followed a complaint signed by a U.S. Magistrate Judge after concerned citizens notified local police about a message—"HEADED TO WSH TO KILL THE PRES"—written on Swain's car window.
Swain faces charges under Title 18, United States Code Section 871(a), which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison if convicted. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, said that both the Secret Service and Apex Police Department are investigating and that Assistant U.S. Attorney Logan Liles is prosecuting.
The case highlights efforts by federal authorities to respond quickly to threats against national leaders and ensure public safety through coordinated investigations and prosecutions. The office responsible for prosecuting this case promotes community safety through initiatives such as the Heroin Education Action Team and Project Safe Neighborhoods, according to the official website.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina handles both criminal prosecutions and civil litigation aimed at protecting communities across its jurisdiction, which includes major military installations like Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base according to its official website. The office employs 119 staff members—including attorneys and support personnel—and covers federal cases within 44 easternmost counties from six courthouse locations including Raleigh, Fayetteville, Wilmington, New Bern, Greenville, and Elizabeth City according to information provided.
Related court documents can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or via PACER using Case No.5:26-MJ-1682-JG.
